Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, while presenting his 17th state budget, announced a significant policy proposal to ban the use of social media for children under the age of 16. The Chief Minister emphasized that this measure is intended to curb the adverse effects of increasing mobile phone usage and digital addiction among minors, while the announcement was made as part of the state's broader commitment to ensuring the mental well-being and safety of the younger generation in an increasingly digital environment.
Legislative Proposal for Digital Safety
The proposal was formally introduced during the presentation of the ₹4,48,004 crore state budget for the fiscal year 2025-26. According to official statements, the government intends to create a regulatory framework that restricts access to social media platforms for teenagers. The administration believes that unrestricted access to smartphones has led to a social media obsession, exposing children to potentially harmful content and addictive digital networks that can impair their development.
Impact of Excessive Screen Time on Minors
The rationale behind this proposed ban stems from growing concerns regarding excessive screen time, reduced academic focus, and behavioral changes among teenagers. Health experts and government officials have noted a rise in mental health challenges linked to digital consumption. The government maintains that the move is necessary to protect children from the psychological pressures of social media and to encourage more productive engagement in physical and educational activities.
Stakeholder Consultations and Implementation Strategy
Prior to the budget announcement, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah held discussions with Vice-Chancellors of state universities and educational experts to gauge the feasibility and potential impact of such a ban. Congress MLA Rizwan Arshad stated that the issue is a critical societal concern affecting almost every household, while the government plans to further consult with legal and technical experts to determine the implementation strategy and ensure that the ban can be effectively enforced across digital platforms.
Comparative Analysis with Other Indian States
With this announcement, Karnataka has become the first state in India to officially propose a legislative ban on social media for children under 16. While states like Andhra Pradesh and Goa have previously expressed interest in exploring similar measures, Karnataka is the first to include it in a formal budget statement, while this move aligns with global trends where several international jurisdictions are evaluating age-gating mechanisms for social media to safeguard minors.
Overview of Karnataka State Budget 2025-26
The total outlay for the Karnataka State Budget 2025-26 stands at ₹4,48,004 crore. Beyond digital safety regulations, the budget focuses heavily on infrastructure development, technological innovation, and environmental sustainability. Significant allocations have been made for the education sector, reflecting the government's objective to balance technological growth with social responsibility and the protection of vulnerable age groups.